About Joel
My name is Joel McDonald. I’m 23 years old, an Air Force Brat, and somewhat on the geeky side. Some would say I’m more than somewhat on the geeky side, but I’ll let them argue that on their own space.
I’ve lived in Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Okinawa (Japan), Colorado, Kansas, and Virginia. The longest period of time I’ve lived in one state was six years in Georgia, and during that time I moved twice.
I am a Data Support Specialist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, where I support the administration of Luxford Elementary in making data driven decisions in an effort to increase the opportunity for student success. In addition to my regular duties, I serve as a member of the School Planning Council, am a member of the Parent Teacher Association, and a de facto member of the school’s leadership team; where I assist in the planning of school activities, meetings of the Luxford Leadership Forum, and have been an aid in the grant writing process to expand or create new initiatives for students; supporting student fitness, academics, and educational technology.
I am also a college student, currently studying Information Technology with Axia College of the University of Phoenix. After completing the Associates program in September, I am considering shifting course somewhat to study journalism, political science, public administration, or law; likely at Old Dominion University.
My religious experience is a crucial part of who I am. Prior to April 2002, I was an Evangelical Christian and was considering becoming a minister. However, after two years of study, I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormon Church) and later served as a full-time missionary for the LDS Church in Colorado and Kansas from July 2004 to June 2006. My mission experience led me to step away from Mormonism when I returned home to Virginia, and now I consider my religious views to be universal, yet Christian at their roots. In addition to having been ordained an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have also been ordained by Universal Life Church. I’m not currently active or attending any local church, but minister to an online community consisting of approximately 25 members where I provide written messages, private counseling, and audio sermons.
I serve as the Chapter Leader for the Hampton Roads Post-Mormon chapter of the Post-Mormon Community. This means that I am the responsible contact for Post-Mormons in the Hampton Roads area. I am also the host of the official Post-Mormon podcast, which I will start posting soon. Post-Mormonism describes the wide array of situations and beliefs that former of disaffected member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fine themselves in. While no two situations are exactly alike, Post-Mormons find many commonalities in their journey away from Mormonism and are strengthened by their association with others who have experienced the difficulties of transitioning away from the Mormon Church. You can find out more at http://www.postmormon.org.
While attending Kadena High School, on Okinawa, Japan, I was a member of the International Thespian Society and performed as “Herbert Sanders” in A Turn for the Nurse (2000) and “Eddie McCuen” in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (2001). In 2003, I had a opportunity and challenge to be the Assistant Director for “Allocating Annie” (2002), and was awarded Best Thespian in 2003 for that work. After a six year hiatus from the theatre, I returned as “Richard Henry Lee” in 1776 at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. I will be playing “Lucas Brickman” in the next production, Niel Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor.
